We have just begun our journey through Advent at the weekend. Advent is from the Latin word ‘Adventus’ meaning arrival. It is a time of waiting for the arrival of Christmas. Advent is a time to celebrate light in the midst of darkness. It is a beautiful season but often gets pushed to the side lines because we have more pressing priorities. As life causes us to rush and race we know that there is another part of life that is waiting to be discovered.

This other part often comes in small packages like quiet time, prayer, counting our blessings, listing our priorities and finding hope in the midst of darkness and doubts. These small packages are beyond price. We crave for stillness, quiet time and quality time for ourselves but seldom find it. Advent allows us to be grateful for the good things in our life. If we just concentrate only on what we don’t have this Christmas or only on the things we must have, then we will be left with that empty feeling.

That is why Advent is never forced but always invites. We are invited to personalise the coming weeks. It is one of the best ways to avoid that empty feeling. It is also a time of reflection. What is the biggest darkness in my life at the moment? Who or what might bring me a sense of light and hope in my life? Advent allows us to hold deeper questions and to find the beginning of some answers as we journey towards Christmas.